Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls
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My Greek yogurt cinnamon rolls are light, fluffy, and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Ready in 20 minutes, I love that there’s no kneading or proofing required!
Why I love this recipe
If a cinnamon roll recipe calls for yeast, there’s a good chance I’m making something else instead. As much as I love baking, I don’t always have the time (or patience) to knead dough and wait for it to rise.
That’s exactly why I started making these Greek yogurt cinnamon rolls. The Greek yogurt dough gives a surprisingly soft, fluffy texture without any yeast, and I even use it in the frosting. Here’s why I love making them:
- Quick and easy. Like my air fryer cinnamon rolls, these come together in a fraction of the time, yet they taste like they came from a bakery.
- Fuss-free. There’s no kneading, no proofing, and no waiting for the dough to rise.
- Soft and fluffy. Golden around the edges with a tender, fluffy center that’s hard to stop at one.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Self-rising flour. The key ingredient that lets homemade cinnamon rolls rise without yeast. If you don’t have any, you can easily make your own with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt. Any kind works, be it non-fat, reduced-fat, or full-fat. The only yogurt I’d avoid using is “natural” yogurt, which I’ve found makes the dough super sticky and hard to shape. And yes, please use a sweetened one because the dough needs some added sweetness.
- Cinnamon. Use Saigon cinnamon for a bolder, more warming cinnamon flavor.
- Sugar. I used light brown sugar for the filling but white sugar for the dough. You can use dark brown sugar in the dough too, but it will be darker.
- Coconut oil. To lightly brush the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. Melted butter will also work.
- Glaze. I’m using a mix of confectioners’ sugar, more vanilla Greek yogurt, and a touch of vanilla extract.
How to make Greek yogurt cinnamon rolls
Step 1- Make the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yogurt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 2- Shape. Sprinkle flour on the dough ball, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out into a thin (around ½-inch) rectangular shape.
Step 3- Add cinnamon sugar and slice. Brush the dough with oil or butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture in an even layer. Roll dough all the way up from one end. Using a sharp knife, slice into 12 pieces.
Step 4- Bake and glaze. Place each roll into a greased baking dish, letting each piece touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Once the rolls are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Avoid overbaking. The cinnamon rolls will continue cooking as they cool, so I take them out as soon as the tops are lightly golden.
- Frost them while they’re still warm. I usually wait about 5-10 minutes, then spread the frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm enough for it to melt into every swirl.
Storage instructions
To store: Let the cinnamon rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. If the frosting has firmed up in the fridge, it’ll become sot and creamy again as the rolls warm.
More cinnamon roll recipes
Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups self rising flour
- 1 cup Vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup sugar divided
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the glaze
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and vanilla yogurt and mix well, until combined. Form the dough into a ball.
- Lightly flour a kitchen surface. Add a tablespoon of flour onto the bowl of dough and transfer to the floured surface. Use a rolling pin, and roll out into a thin (around 1/2 an inch) rectangular shape.
- Brush your melted coconut oil or butter over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon, evenly distributed on top. From one end of dough, slowly roll it up until all the dough is used. Using a sharp knife, slice into 12 pieces.
- Place each piece of cinnamon roll dough into the lined dish/tray. If desired, make sure each piece is sticking together. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. While it's cooling down, prepare your glaze by mixing your confectioners' sugar with yogurt and vanilla extract. If you want a thinner glaze, add more yogurt. Drizzle over the top of the cinnamon rolls and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published September 2020
Looks so good can’t wait to make them!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!